Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I'll admit, I frequently hate on Goal.com - often because of their constant comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and terrible player ratings system - but nothing comes before my hatred of Manchester United's smug defender Patrice Evra. Which is exactly why I was delighted in seeing this headline, below, on Goal.com yesterday evening:

Monday, July 25, 2011

The style of Alexis Sanchez - an infusion of Chilean duds and Udine flare that (re)creates the look of a rural farmer - was on display as the player was presented to Barcelona fans today. Admitting he wants to "learn from the best," Sanchez already picked up style tips when someone made him change before his press conference.

What's next for the crafty Chilean winger (besides lengthy receipts from Gucci and Prada)? Well, at peabrain.com aka goal.com, the obvious next step is to compare Sanchez with Cristiano Ronaldo, like they do with every top player ever. I'm so tired of these waste of space comparisons! Enough goal.com...really.

Hilarious! What a horrible back-heel try in a preparation game ahead of the arduous Premier League season! Poor Roberto Mancini - he has had to, on many occasions, play Mario's disappointed dad, as seen here through the immediate subbing out and dressing down of his troubled striker.

But why is everyone shocked? Balotelli does stuff like this all the time! What would Balotelli not do? That is the question.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Ahead of Manchester United's World Football Challenge match against the Chicago Fire in Chi-Town, midfielder Park Ji-Sung decided to try his hand in creating a local delicacy: deep-dish pizza. Oh, and he brought along Patrice Evra. mmmm mmmm watch the video here.

Patrice Evra: Seeing if it's time to leave yet

Based on Park's precision sauce and cheesing, one would assume he is handy in the kitchen. But notice in the video how Evra vehemently refuses to eat Park's pizza and how shocked Park looks when he takes a bite of his own pizza. Could the Delightful Park Ji-Sung be a bad cook?? I refuse to believe it.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Djibril Cisse arrived in Rome today for a medical ahead of his move to Lazio. I can't be too sure if the deal is still on though, as doctors might have to site the odd-fashioned Cisse mentally unfit for play:

Good signing...

For more pics of Djibril's zebra-booties, see Il Corriere dello Sport's gallery.

Monday, July 11, 2011

A year after Landon Donovan buried the injury-time winner against Algeria that sent the USMNT through to the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup, the USWNT similarly progressed yesterday with an even bigger heart-stopping last gasp goal in their Women's World Cup quarterfinal match with Brazil.

Hope Solo's vital save in PKs

Abby Wambach sealed the United States' comeback while playing with 10-women, nodding home a pin-point Megan Rapinoe cross in the 122nd minute of extra-time to force penalties. Hope Solo, the towering 'keeper who wrongfully had a penalty save overturned in the second half, played the hero in the shootout, producing a critical save with a strong right hand (pictured above).

This match had it all - stunning strikes, finger-tip saves, referee controversy, and heroics. Highlights here:

The climax of this match rivaled that of Landon's legendary moment, for sure. As for Brazil, they got what they deserved. They played lackluster all game, pretty much had the referee's calls going their way, and shot themselves in the a$$ while faking injury in ET. This ultimately added the injury-time at the end of the second half in which Wambach struck. Had they not embellished, they would have likely won the match. Note to young players: Don't act like babies and fake injured.

Tune in for more Sensible Soccer this week and keep your eye on the ladies of America, who are reppin' the stars and stripes versus the French on Wednesday.

P.S. - how awesome were the black kits? I'm sick of this USMNT's "Red all over" sh*t.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Good news Sensible Soccer fans in and around New York City: a soccer film festival is headed our way! Culture meets the beautiful game at the Kicking and Screening Soccer Film Festival in NYC from July 20 - 23. Five films will features at the festival, which takes place at the historic Tribeca Cinemas. They are:

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

As I cruised through La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning I noticed a majority of their photographs were ridiculous - specifically of coaches and directors. What is going on in Italia? Check out some strange picture choices I found today:

Cesare Prandelli playin' pong

Claudio Lotito: "Huh?"

"Ho ho ho...Who's this guy think he is? The Coach?"

"F*ck this"

Cell phone shot: the moment is captured!

Another great phone shot: Luciano 'Scumbag' Moggi

Choir-boy Andrea Agnelli

And stud

Perfect shot of Luciano Spalletti...

Had to throw this intense pic of Edinson Cavani in

Shushing creeper: Massimo Moratti

What a creeper!

Do Italian coaches and directors just look hideous in pictures or is it La Gazzetta's horrible photo selections? You be the judge.